Vista vs. Kumazi Strikers
Our opening game of the season was a well-fought battle against recently promoted Kumazi Strikers. Both teams setup quite similarly with quick fast attacking options in wide positions so it was enjoyable to watch the teams fight fire with fire. The opening 10 minutes belonged to Kumazi strikers who used there pace to threaten Vista but good concentration from Steve Hanley and our center-backs Ambrose Kamara and Danny Doyle allowed us to keep the score at 0-0.
For the next 25 minutes Vista threatened with regular attacks and great interchangeable play from Ohran Stewart, Andrew Thompson, Siao Blackwood and Jordan Greaves with none of them able to land the final blow. As always with football you don’t take your chances and you get punished which was the case for Vista when against the run of play Kumazi scored with a great breakaway and finish from Wilem Loba.
After this Vista FC became nervous and found it hard to regain control as the Kumazi midfield created various problems for Vista to constantly readjust too. After a series of corners won and attempts blocked off the line Vista finally scored through Siao Blackwood who rose in the air to head home.
At 1-1 the game was pretty much a game of chess with both teams trying there hardest to create clear-cut chances but they were few and far between. Vista made a series of changes bringing on Ashley Sheppard, Aaron Southard and Andrew Dalhouse who all made a difference to the attacking options but who were all unable to give Vista the goal they wished for. A great game and special praise go’s to Vista full backs Mario Campbell and Jordan Taylor who fought well and battled all game as well as the two Kumazi center backs who showed immense concentration and nullified Vista for long periods.
MOM – Mario Campbell